Doing Business Better Than Usual: Words at Work
By D. Menikoff Business communication is more than annual reports. It’s the employee handbook and grant proposals, press releases and business plans, stockholders presentations and these days, the company blog. Your business communications reflects everything your organization stands for and should reflect the same high quality as the work you do. This is true for any business, regardless of size. Make sure your business communications make a stellar first impression. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Clear communication of company policies and procedures can mean the difference between a productive, secure workplace and a workplace full of people who don’t quite know where they stand. Procedural and policy manuals may not be the sexiest type of corporate communication, but they can be among the most important. The same clarity is important when communicating with clients via user guides or technical manuals. Do you have new products to offer or an upgrade to roll out? Make sure your clients understand what’s has changed and how it that change effects how they use your product. By keeping customers and clients “in the know,” you demonstrate how valuable they are to you and keep them happy. And informed, happy clients make faster, more profitable decisions when it comes time to go for the up-sell. Presentation is everything. Are you hoping to land that big client or interest the right investors? Maybe your annual stock holders meeting is coming up. With a thoughtfully constructed argument supported by clear, concise information, you will inspire trust, gain your audience’s confidence and win them over. Presentations also mean take away material or handouts. Of course, these need careful editing and proofreading-just like any other written communications-but because they are supporting materials, you must make sure the message in these materials line up with the message of your verbal presentation. You don’t want people reviewing them later and getting contradictory messages. Sure, public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience. But a well-prepared presentation and a little practice-alone and in front a few honest but critical audience members-means you’ll be much more relaxed when it comes time for the real show and your audience will see that extra confidence. Open a dialogue. A corporate blog is a great way to give your organization a voice and can be a great way to reach out to your market, deliver information to your internal staff and create buzz about new ventures or ideas. Blogs can be one of the most effective and efficient communications tools in your marketing arsenal but in order to be an effective communication tool, they involve planning up front as well as ongoing content to keep it fresh and vital. Review. Revise. Refresh. Nothing beats making a great first impression and in most cases, it’s your marketing and communications materials that people encounter first. Review all your business communications periodically for accuracy and freshness. As your business grows and changes, your business papers, employee handbooks and marketing materials will grow and change as well. Business as usual will not do if your business and its public face are not in sync. Deborah Menikoff, a Web and marketing consultant with almost 20 years developing print and online programs, spent years in creative agencies and the publishing industry before founding Modern Parlance, a multi-service content consultancy. A sought after wordsmith and public speaker, she provides insight, humor and valuable advice on a variety of topics including marketing, publishing, travel and new media. Visit the Modern Parlance Web site for more information or to catch up on our monthly blog, The Reading Room. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Menikoff http://EzineArticles.com/?Doing-Business-Better-Than-Usual:-Words-at-Work&id=558445 online medications no presciption online doctors for prescriptions canada online pharmacy weight loss prescriptions online